“I’m only going to use the heavy bag.Doc says I need to work up to getting back on the mat.”
“I didn’t realize you boxed.”
“Not professionally, but it is a nice way to keep my reflexes sharp.”
The image of him slick with sweat, dodging a fist, has me shifting in my seat.Is it getting hotter in here?
“After that, I’ll be back here to work on getting your apartment ready for you.”He grins at me, easing some of my discomfort at the idea of him getting hurt.
“I feel so bad that you’re doing that without me.”
“Don’t.I don’t mind in the least.Kyle’s coming by to help, and it gives him something to do, too.”
I reach over and cover his hand with mine.Touching him is far easier than I thought it would be.Especially after spending thirteen years avoiding all physical contact from men.“Thank you so much.”
“Anything for you,” he replies, then finishes off his coffee.“How about you?”
“I have my shift at the coffee shop in an hour.Then an hour to come back and change for my shift at the diner.”
“You amaze me.”
I arch a brow and study him.“How so?”
“You work harder than anyone I’ve ever met.”
“It keeps me busy.”
“Because being a single mom isn’t busy enough?”
I laugh.“Fair point.”
Taking a sip of my coffee, I let my gaze lift to his patio doors.They’re closed, but the curtains are open, giving me a clear view of the ocean.
“So, there’s actually something I’ve wanted to talk to you about, but I wasn’t sure how to bring it up.”
“Color me intrigued.”Crossing my arms, I study him, trying to figure out what’s got this soldier so nervous.
“I noticed that you only have one bedroom.”
“Yes.There weren’t any two-bedrooms available when I moved here.”Not that I could have afforded it even if there was.
“Well, as you know, I have one more than I need.”
Realization dawns on me, and I shake my head.“I am not taking your apartment.”
“Please?Look, rent-wise it’ll stay the same.”
“How is that?”Embarrassment heats my cheeks even though I know he’s only trying to help.
“Every apartment in the building is the same price.”
“That can’t be true.”
“Call Geoff and ask him.When I rented this place, there were no single-bedrooms left.Otherwise, I would have taken one.”
“So I’m doing you a favor by swapping apartments with you?”
“Katelyn, please?I’ve been trying to figure out how to approach this all week; the last thing I want to do is offend you.”